# x pipes vs. h pipes for the stang **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [March 23, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971 "2009-03-23T13:36:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![02NismoSpecV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/74df32/32.png) [@02NismoSpecV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02NismoSpecV)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/1 "2009-03-23T13:36:01Z")
just figured id ask some of you from past experiences: i believe x pipes make more hp but i will be running bbk long tubes and keeping the stock mufflers for now (which are a straight through design). so the question is x pipe or h pipe from what i gathered: x pipes sound more exotic h pipes sound more old school, muscle car here is the x pipe i have now (bbk x pipe: kind of a glorified h pipe) ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/naaby2687/imgs.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/naaby2687/imgs.jpg) h pipe ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/naaby2687/imgss.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/naaby2687/imgss.jpg) traditional x pipe ![http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/naaby2687/XPIPELT1.jpg](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y133/naaby2687/XPIPELT1.jpg) what would sound the best and be optimal for my car. ---
**Author:** ![BDR5oh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bdr5oh/32/7315_2.png) [@BDR5oh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BDR5oh)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/2 "2009-03-23T13:42:38Z")
pro-chamber … mac makes it ---
**Author:** ![02svtfocus](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/02svtfocus/32/7318_2.png) [@02svtfocus](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02svtfocus)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/3 "2009-03-23T13:43:19Z")
pro chamber edit: derrick beat me to it! ---
**Author:** ![baseball24](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/baseball24/32/7452_2.png) [@baseball24](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/baseball24)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/4 "2009-03-23T13:47:50Z")
ls1 an option jk \<3 spec ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/5 "2009-03-23T13:49:49Z")
Just buy a good X-pipe ![http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8787&stc=1&d=1237841367](http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8787&stc=1&d=1237841367) ---
**Author:** ![02NismoSpecV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/74df32/32.png) [@02NismoSpecV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02NismoSpecV)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/6 "2009-03-23T13:50:19Z")
id also like to stay on the cheaper end of things if i could under $200 which would eliminate the prochamber. lol also i have no ground clearance with the stock exhaust as it is so anything that hangs lower than another wont really work ---
**Author:** ![02svtfocus](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/02svtfocus/32/7318_2.png) [@02svtfocus](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02svtfocus)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/7 "2009-03-23T13:51:13Z")
mac makes a decent 3" xpipe for cheap buy something used off corral if you don’t want to go with the pro chamber edit: my brother ran a mac 3" x-pipe with flowmasters on his 91 5.0 and it sounded awesome ---
**Author:** ![SoloIIscoob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@SoloIIscoob](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SoloIIscoob)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/8 "2009-03-23T13:52:25Z")
i fkn hate answering this phone call from customers. most mustang owners dont know the difference between their left hand and their right foot ---
**Author:** ![cobraman04](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/cobraman04/32/4963_2.png) [@cobraman04](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cobraman04)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/9 "2009-03-23T13:53:11Z")
traditional x thats what i got my has cats tho ---
**Author:** ![MOBOOST4U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f4b2a3/32.png) [@MOBOOST4U](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MOBOOST4U)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/10 "2009-03-23T13:54:59Z")
> [@ultradriver10000](#): > > Just buy a good X-pipe Lmao @ the 3rd grader drawing lol. I THINK I UNDERSTAND NOW!!! lol ---
**Author:** ![02NismoSpecV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/74df32/32.png) [@02NismoSpecV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02NismoSpecV)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 1:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/11 "2009-03-23T13:57:54Z")
well im mostly going for the best sound. without having to buy new mufflers and weld them in and avoid that whole ordeal. which was really my question. ---
**Author:** ![baseball24](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/baseball24/32/7452_2.png) [@baseball24](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/baseball24)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 2:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/12 "2009-03-23T14:07:05Z")
my second vote is x pipe In general H-Pipes will sound better (louder) and give more low end torque X-Pipes will sound different, not as loud usually, and give more higher rpm hp ---
**Author:** ![BDR5oh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bdr5oh/32/7315_2.png) [@BDR5oh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BDR5oh)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 2:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/13 "2009-03-23T14:16:59Z")
pro-chamber … again ---
**Author:** ![MOBOOST4U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f4b2a3/32.png) [@MOBOOST4U](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MOBOOST4U)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 2:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/14 "2009-03-23T14:25:11Z")
> [@BDR5oh](#): > > pro-chamber … again > [@02NismoSpecV](#): > > id also like to stay on the cheaper end of things if i could under $200 which would eliminate the prochamber. lol You spent a lot of money to get your “dream car.” Dont cheap out now… ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 2:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/15 "2009-03-23T14:43:53Z")
> [@MOBOOST4U](#): > > Lmao @ the 3rd grader drawing lol. I THINK I UNDERSTAND NOW!!! lol 🙂 Go X-Pipe It will sound fine. ---
**Author:** ![02NismoSpecV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/74df32/32.png) [@02NismoSpecV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02NismoSpecV)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 3:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/16 "2009-03-23T15:29:28Z")
ahh you guys suck lol, now im torn between an x pipe and the prochamber but then again h pipes sound good too lol ---
**Author:** ![Deathproof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@Deathproof](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Deathproof)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 3:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/17 "2009-03-23T15:34:07Z")
Listen to sound clips, I’ve heard a ton of great sounding cars with bbk x pipes. They’re cheap and they make short ones for LT’s. ---
**Author:** ![strokedlx](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/strokedlx/32/7220_2.png) [@strokedlx](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/strokedlx)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 3:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/18 "2009-03-23T15:39:28Z")
Another vote for the Prochamber **Testing the Mac Prochamber Exhaust Crossover for Late Model Mustangs** ![http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/pipes.jpg](http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/pipes.jpg) Mac ProChamber (left) and Mac off-road H-pipe right. Both in 2.5" pipe diameter.When Ford first designed the fuel injected 5 liter Mustang, the exhaust system was a study in compromises. With the need to meet federal and California emissions standards as well as federal drive-by noise standards, the stock exhaust does not qualify as a high flow system. At least it was a true dual exhaust with two, 2 ¼ inch pipes, two mufflers (unlike the Camaro/Firebird twins) a cross-over pipe and tubular, stainless steel headers. The sound was vintage V8, albeit a rather subdued one. **Round One - Off Road “H pipe”** ![http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/palmdaleJL1.jpg](http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/palmdaleJL1.jpg)In our [last installment](http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/09/gm2/index.shtml) Green Machine II had solidly hit the 12’s at over 106mph. This was thru the stock h-pipe and mufflers. The need for speed is never satisfied and the next mod would be to lose the “POS” stock h-pipe, a restrictive unit due to the four catalytic converters. We procured an offroad h-pipe (no cats) in 2 ½" diameter. The piece manufactured by MAC products comes in two pieces, with a slip fit at the crossover. This is a good idea as it took some time to get the exhaust system to line up and seal properly. By setting each side in place individually and gently bending the hangers we were able to achieve a good fit. The 5.0 sounded a little louder and deeper, still exhaling thru the Ford mufflers. Since the cat-back system was still stock we debated on the possible gains. The previous week we had run high 12’s and had a best mph of 106.7. Less than one week later at a Wednesday night bracket race, in almost identical weather conditions, we tested the off road H pipe with the stock mufflers. The resulting 12.66 at 107.73 confimed the generally accepted thougts that the factory four cat H-pipe is a restrictive piece. Stock cat-pipe, stock mufflers: 12.81 106.7 1.82 Mac H pipe, stock mufflers: 12.66 107.73 1.78 **Net Gain: -1.5 tenths, 1 mph.** ![http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/flowpaths.jpg](http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/flowpaths.jpg) Mac FlowPath 2.5" mufflers. **A better crossover?** The next step in our exhaust system testing was to obtain a true cat-back muffler system in 2 1/2 " pipe. We contacted Mac for their FlowPath system, and they also recommend we replace the “old techology” Mac h-pipe with their latest and greatest inventon, the Prochamber crossover unit. Unlike “X” type crossovers, Mac claims the pipes merging into a small rectangular chamber not only helps exhaust pulses scavenge the opposite bank (the pulses are 180 degrees out of phase in a 4 cycle V8) but the gases in the chamber become hotter as the pulses merge, increasing flow. Sounds plausible, but is it worth anything? We told them we’d be happy to test one out along with their Mac 2.5" FlowPath muffler and tail-pipe kit. Just like Ford, MAC uses ball and socket flanges for easy alignment and a leak-free fit. The flanges come with studs for one side to insure good clamping force and no stripped bolt holes. Even the nuts have directional teeth on the undersides to prevent them from loosening after many heat cycles. The Prochamber comes in two pieces and the chrome tips are separate with ball and socket flanges so you can install the pipes and align the flanges in your driveway and have a leak free system. We know because that was how we installed it. The new exhaust sounds much healthier. It is louder than stock and definitely deeper in tone that becomes a satisfying roar at full throttle. We did notice a strong drone at 1800 to 2100 rpm. Since Green Machine II has 3.73 gears we are rarely in this rpm range during cruise. **![http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/MAC4.jpg](http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/10/mac/MAC4.jpg)Round Two - Prochamber and FlowPath Mufflers** After bolting on the Prochamber and FlowPath cat back system, we grabbed the sticky tires and headed back to the track. The first few runs resulted in bogs at the start as the track was well prepped and the tires were biting hard. We raised the tire pressure from 14 to 15psi and increased the launch rpm to just over 5000. The following table shows the gains made for the best three runs. Needless to say, we were pleased with the results. The Prochamber and FlowPath combo netted 109.5 mph, beating the open H-pipe combo by almost a mile per hour. Results: Mac H pipe, stock mufflers: 12.66 107.73 1.78 ProChamber, FlowPath mufflers: 12.51 109.45 1.78 **Net Gain: -1.5 tenths, 1.7mph** **Conclusion** The factory exhaust system was good for 12.80’s and over 106 mph. However it’s restrictions began showing as we added better breathing capability to the 5.0L motor. With the addition of a 2.5" Prochamber and FlowPath cat back exhaust we were able to cut the ET down three tenths and gain as three mile per hour! After running this fast we had to know what kind of power GM II is now putting to the ground. The car weighs 3200lbs in race trim and the driver is right around 185lbs. Using several different horsepower calculators on the Internet, including our own, the results are astounding. Using a conservative 3350lbs, Green Machine II is producing approximately 350HP at the flywheel! Using 15% as your drivetrain loss, that puts the rear wheel output at 297.5, just shy of 300rwhp. Proof positive of Ford’s long runner intake design. We hope to get on a chassis dyno in the next couple of months to confirm this number and see just how big and flat the torque curve is. We have a goal to reach 110mph on the stock cam and injectors. Installation of an electric fan should free up enough power to reach it. Once that milestone is reached we will look into a cam swap to push the GMII project deeper into the 12’s! **F/M** **Contacts** Mac Performance MAC Products, Inc. 43214 Blackdeer Loop Temecula, Ca. 92590-3473 800-367-4486 [macperformance.com](http://www.macperformance.com/) **More Project GMII Articles** [12 Seconds and Beyond](http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/09/gm2/index.shtml)[Braced For Action](http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/06/braced/index.shtml)[Powershifting! GMII hits new lows!](http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/03/powershift/index.shtml) [Bracket Racing Update](http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/01/gmII/index.shtml)[Testing the C&L 76mm Mass Air Meter on GM](http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2001/12/massair/index.shtml)[Stock Motor and AOD, in the 14’](http://66.96.130.106/archives/2001/06/gm2/index.shtml)[Introduction to GMI](http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2001/01/92LX/index.shtml) [/LEFT] ---
**Author:** ![FiftyCheven](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fiftycheven/32/4950_2.png) [@FiftyCheven](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/FiftyCheven)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 3:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/19 "2009-03-23T15:47:30Z")
I had bbk lonh tubes and matching x pipe on my 99 and it sounded fantastic. of course my mods were a mile long but still. X pipe gets my vote. ---
**Author:** ![02NismoSpecV](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/0/74df32/32.png) [@02NismoSpecV](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/02NismoSpecV)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 3:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971/20 "2009-03-23T15:51:44Z")
> [@deathproof001](#): > > Listen to sound clips, I’ve heard a ton of great sounding cars with bbk x pipes. They’re cheap and they make short ones for LT’s. thats what i have already so id stay with that if its good > [@JuicedGT](#): > > I had bbk long tubes and matching x pipe on my 99 and it sounded fantastic. of course my mods were a mile long but still. X pipe gets my vote. was it raspy at all? thats my main concern. i mean i can alwasy change it up later but then i gotta get another o2 bung welded in etc so id rather do it right the first time. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/x-pipes-vs-h-pipes-for-the-stang/64971.md?page=2)